Authored by Dawson La, MEng in Materials Science and Engineering
Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about what lay ahead. I was on the cusp of starting my journey in Materials Science and Engineering as a freshman. Venturing into the unknown was foreign to my former shy and introverted nature. In hindsight, I recognize a year filled with personal development, challenges, and fun. But what insights has this year provided, and what is my current position?
One of the first and most intimidating hurdles was forming friendships. This is frequently one of the most daunting aspects of entering university, and if you’re an incoming student reading this, it might be a major worry for you. On my initial day of moving into my residence, just days before the semester commenced, I spent the whole day sequestered in my room, too frightened to step out and introduce myself. However, today I can proudly say I’ve forged some of the greatest friendships I’ve ever experienced, both at this university and within this program. I’ve discovered a second family here at Imperial, and it all began with casual conversations with individuals in similar positions. So what lesson did I gain? I discovered that it’s always beneficial to take a plunge at the beginning of the year. If you don’t feel prepared or at ease, that’s okay! There will be numerous opportunities and events to help you mingle with others. I also learned that if you can be just one thing, be yourself. With such a variety of people throughout the course and university, you’re sure to encounter those who share your mindset.
Another hurdle was the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a noticeable increase from A-levels, and in some respects, an even larger leap from the first semester to the second. Being placed in such an environment can sometimes be challenging for your self-esteem; you might observe others studying and feel inadequate. Several things helped me cope with that sentiment, one being the reminder that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If something is unclear to you, I can almost assure you that others are struggling as well. So, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. This may be the most crucial lesson to grasp in your freshman year. Reach out to your peers and faculty for support!
This leads me to my next point. The faculty in Materials are outstanding. They genuinely want you to succeed and recognize that students face difficulties. They relate to students and keep in constant touch with us throughout the year regarding our concerns. I didn’t truly utilize the pastoral support until the year’s end, but I wish I had begun sooner. I previously mentioned making leaps – I made one at the year’s onset by becoming a year well-being representative. This role gave me the chance to connect with the faculty, which is immensely valuable. There are numerous ways to engage with staff, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most beneficial actions you can take for yourself! My key takeaway from this part of university is to make the most of the assistance available. You can never have too much help!
In summary, this year has shown me that feelings of nervousness, both before and during university, are often baseless and can be alleviated through the various support systems accessible from faculty and fellow students. It has taught me that I’m never alone and how to have fun despite stressors like exams and deadlines.